See the Bibletheca Alexandrina

Pic courtesy of http://www.bibalex.org/English/Overview/overview.htm

When I found out that part of the Alexandria tour included visiting a library, I was prepared to be bored. After all, who hasn't visited a library? What can top the Library of Congress in D.C.? And I had already seen that. Goes to show I was greatly mistaken. As the late Steve Irwin would say, "Crikey!! Have a look o' this byootee!"

Bibletheca Alexandrina is Latin for "Library of Alexandria". It was built in 2002 to bring back the prestige of its ancient predecessor, which was then reputed to be the largest library in the ancient world, a renown research institution, and home to a host of international scholars. Consequently, warring attacks and ultimate fire, destroyed the library. The modern day namesake is a work of architectural marvel. The exterior structure is shaped to look like a rising sun tilted towards the sea. The interior is airy and roomy with enough shelf space capacity to fill 8 million books. When the building was commissioned, research materials were donated from all over the world to begin filling its shelves. Today, however, the library struggles with funding. It has been estimated that it will take 80 years to fill the library's shelf space capacity at the current level of funding. To offset costs it charges admission to tourists, but still considered an esteemed research institution for scholars and scientists. For the record, I take back my preconceived notion of expecting an "ordinary" library, because the Bibletheca Alexandrina was anything but!

Traipsing Through Quaitbey Citadel

The next stop was the Quaitbey Citadel, a beautiful fortress built to fortify the country from invading Turks. It was commissioned by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abou Anasr Saif El-Din Qaitbay El-Jerkasy Al-Zahiry (talk about a mouthful!) in 1480 A.D. The Citadel was erected on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, a.k.a. "Pharos Lighthouse", which was one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Time and multiple earthquakes, eventually brought the mighty wonder down, leaving room and tactical vantage point for the fort to be built. It was massive and beautiful, and wonderfully restored. I had more fun exploring this Citadel than the one in Cairo, as I heard echoes of past and present reverberating through the towers. I was reluctant to leave the Citadel, but the last stop of my Alexandria trip was the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which was an eye feast of true architectural delight! Prepare to be blown away by a library. Yep. A library. Go to my next blog.

Remains of a Roman Amphitheater

On the last day of my Alexandria stay-cation, I toured the Roman Amphitheater, reminiscent of ones I explored in Italy. During ancient times, Egypt's plentiful water resources and fertile lands made the country an ideal place to serve as a trade center, and many empires sought to rule it. The Roman rule over Egypt began with the arrival of Augustus in 30 B.C. Gaius Cornelius Gallus was the first Roman prefect of Aegyptus (Aegyptus was the Roman name for the area). Gaius gained control with the use of his soldiers, using the Roman trademark of brute force. The Roman amphitheater was born out of the Romans love for spectator sports, particularly violent gladiator combat exhibitions.

At the top of the hill overlooking the amphitheater, were statue remains found on local dives offshore. It was amazing to see these works of art survive the ravages of time, water, and war. The next stop was the Citadel at Quaitbey Fort. Be sure to check it out on the next blog.

Treasures at the Alexandria National Museum

At the Alexandria National Museum, I was pleasantly surprised to find that we could take pics inside! This was the first museum I've visited in Egypt that allowed pics to be taken, and I took full advantage of my freedom to click and shoot. The museum's pharaonic artifacts and treasures, particularly those found on dives off Alexandria's shores, and those influenced by various empires that ruled Egypt at one time, were truly beautiful.

After the museum, we headed to our hotel to check-in and relax after a day of sightseeing. The following day, we were to explore the Roman Amphitheater, Qaitbey Citadel, and the amazing state of the art Bibliotheca Alexandrina. All spread out on a string of blogs to come.

Week-end in Alexandria

A couple week-ends ago I hopped on a bus and gleefully left the smog and bustle of Cairo, for a wkend get-a-way to the seaport city of Alexandria just 2 hours away. Founded by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C., Alexandria became one of the most famous cities of the ancient world and the capital of Egypt for nearly a thousand years. Today, it serves as the country's largest seaport responsible for 80% of its imports and exports.


While there, I visited Montazah Palace Gardens Park which formerly belonged to the Mohamed Ali family, Egypt's last royal line, who ruled until 1952. Palace construction began in 1892, and was completed in 1932. Secured by a high gate surrounded by an expanse of manicured lawns and tended gardens, its northern point faces the Mediterranean Sea.

Afterwards, my tour bus headed downtown where lunch was served at a seafood restaurant down on the waterfront. My meal was a marvelously prepared fresh catch-of-the-day seasoned by Middle Eastern spices. The weather was beautiful and the smell of the sea pleasant and inviting.

The next stop was the Alexandria National Museum, which will be found on the next blog.